The plastic bag levy was first introduced on 4th March 2002 at the rate of 15 cent per bag. Its primary purpose is to reduce the consumption of disposable plastic bags by influencing consumer behaviour. All levies are paid into the Environment Fund.

It had an immediate effect on consumer behaviour with a decrease in plastic bag usage from an estimated 328 bags per person to 21 bags per person overnight.

The current levy of 22 cent was introduced on 1 July, 2007. It was increased as the bags per person had increased to 31 during 2006. The aim of the increase in cost is to reduce the plastic bag per person usage to 21 or lower.

ARE ALL PLASTIC BAGS LIABLE TO THE LEVY?

No. The following are the bags on which no levy is charged:

Small bags used to contain fresh meat, fish or poultry, EVEN IF THEY ALREADY HAVE PACKAGING.

Small bags used to contain loose fruit, nuts, sweets, vegetables, hot or cold cooked food, PROVIDED THESE ITEMS ARE NOT ALREADY PACKAGED.

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